Huduma ya Kichungaji, Uinjilisti na Misheni ya Ulimwengu ya Kiwesley — Sehemu ya 10: Kuongoza Kanisa Takatifu katika Ulimwengu UnaobadilikaWesleyan Pastoral Ministry, Evangelism, and Global Missions — Unit 10: Leading a Holy Church in a Changing World

Mstari MkuuKey Verse

"Jitunzeni nafsi zenu wenyewe, na lile kundi lote, ambalo Roho Mtakatifu amewaweka ninyi kuwa waangalizi ndani yake, mkalilishe kanisa la Mungu, ambalo alilinunua kwa damu yake mwenyewe." (Matendo 20:28, SUV)"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28, NKJV)

Malengo ya KujifunzaLearning Objectives

Ukimaliza kipindi hiki, utaweza:When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

1. Kueleza kwa nini mchungaji wa Kiwesley lazima kwanza ajali maisha na mafundisho yake mwenyewe, kisha kundi.1. Explain why a Wesleyan pastor must give attention first to his own life and doctrine, and then to the flock.

2. Kutofautisha kile ambacho hakipaswi kubadilika kamwe (injili na Maandiko) na kile kinachoweza kubadilika (njia na maumbo), ukitumia mfano wa Wesley.2. Distinguish what must never change (the gospel and Scripture) from what may change (methods and forms), using Wesley's example.

3. Kueleza shinikizo kuu kwa makanisa leo, ikiwa ni pamoja na kupotea kwa mafundisho, kupenda mali, uhamaji, vyombo vya habari vya kidijitali na kupotea kwa vijana.3. Describe the main pressures on churches today, including doctrinal drift, materialism, migration, digital media and the loss of young people.

4. Kueleza jinsi muunganiko, uwajibikaji na mafundisho ya pamoja vinavyolinda kanisa la Kiwesley, na jinsi mgawanyiko wa Methodisti wa miaka ya karibuni unavyoweza kueleweka.4. Explain how connection, accountability and shared doctrine protect a Wesleyan church, and how the Methodist division of recent years can be understood.

5. Kueleza pingamizi kuu dhidi ya mafundisho thabiti na uongozi imara, na kutoa jibu la Kiwesley.5. State the main objections to firm doctrine and strong leadership, and give the Wesleyan answer.

Sauti ya Kozi HiiThe Voice of This Course

Kozi hii imeandikwa kutoka ndani ya mapokeo ya Kiwesley ya kiinjili, kwa ajili ya wachungaji walio ndani yake au wanaotaka kuyaelewa. Tunashikilia kwamba Biblia ni mamlaka ya mwisho yaliyopuliziwa. Katika kipindi hiki cha mwisho tunasema wazi kuhusu shinikizo zinazokabili makanisa leo. Pale Wakristo wengine wanapoona mambo haya kwa njia tofauti, tunaeleza mtazamo wao kwa haki kisha tunatoa jibu letu, bila hasira. Maandiko yanasema tusema "kweli katika upendo" (Waefeso 4:15).This course is written from inside the evangelical Wesleyan tradition, for pastors who belong to it or want to understand it. We hold that the Bible is the inspired and final authority. In this last unit we speak plainly about the pressures that churches face today. Where other Christians see these matters differently, we state their view fairly and then give our answer, without anger. Scripture says to speak "the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15).

Kiongozi KwanzaThe Leader First

Agizo la Paulo kwa wazee wa Efeso huanza kwa maneno "jitunzeni nafsi zenu wenyewe" na ndipo tu linapogeukia kundi (Matendo 20:28). Alimpa Timotheo mpangilio huo huo: jitunze nafsi yako mwenyewe na mafundisho yako, kwa maana ukifanya hivyo utajiokoa nafsi yako mwenyewe na hao wakusikiao pia (1 Timotheo 4:16, imetajwa kwa marejeo). Kanisa mara chache litapanda juu ya maisha ya viongozi wake.Paul's charge to the elders of Ephesus begins with the words "take heed to yourselves" and only then turns to the flock (Acts 20:28). He gave Timothy the same order: watch yourself and your teaching, for in doing so you will save both yourself and those who hear you (1 Timothy 4:16, cited by reference). A church will rarely rise above the life of its leaders.

Kwa Wawesley hili linamaanisha zaidi ya kuepuka kashfa. Tunafundisha kwamba Mungu huwaita waumini kwenye utakatifu wa moyo na wa maisha, na mchungaji ndiye wa kwanza kati ya walioitwa. Njia za neema ni kwa ajili yake kama zilivyo kwa kanisa: maombi, Maandiko, Meza ya Bwana, kufunga, na ushirika na waumini wengine. Mchungaji ambaye ana shughuli nyingi mno kuomba, asiye na rafiki anayeweza kumwuliza maswali magumu, na asiyeshika pumziko la sabato yuko hatarini. Yesu mwenyewe aliamka asubuhi na mapema kuomba mahali pa faragha (Marko 1:35, imetajwa kwa marejeo), hata makundi yalipokuwa yakingoja.For Wesleyans this means more than avoiding scandal. We teach that God calls believers to holiness of heart and life, and the pastor is first among those called. The means of grace are for him as much as for the congregation: prayer, Scripture, the Lord's Supper, fasting, and fellowship with other believers. The pastor who is too busy to pray, who has no friend who can ask him hard questions, and who keeps no sabbath rest is in danger. Jesus himself rose early to pray in a solitary place (Mark 1:35, cited by reference), even when crowds were waiting.

Hatari tatu zimeharibu watumishi wengi katika kila nchi na zama, na mchungaji wa Kiwesley anapaswa kuzitaja.Three dangers have ruined many ministers in every country and age, and a Wesleyan pastor should name them.

Fedha. Kupenda fedha ni shina la maovu ya kila aina (1 Timotheo 6:10). Tenganisha fedha za kanisa na zako mwenyewe, weka kumbukumbu wazi, na waache wengine wazikague.Money. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Keep church money separate from your own, keep clear records, and let others check them.

Dhambi ya uzinzi. Usiwashauri watu wa jinsia tofauti peke yenu na kwa siri. Acha mlango wazi, au mlete mtu mwingine. Linda ndoa yako.Sexual sin. Do not counsel people of the opposite sex alone and in secret. Keep the door open, or bring another person. Guard your marriage.

Kiburi na udhibiti. Petro anawaambia wazee walichunge kundi "wala msiwe kama mmewatawala hao mlio kabidhiwa, bali mkiwa vielelezo kwa hilo kundi" (1 Petro 5:3, imetajwa kwa marejeo). Mwombe ndugu au dada anayeaminika akuambie ukweli.Pride and control. Peter tells elders to shepherd the flock "not as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:3, cited by reference). Ask a trusted brother or sister to tell you the truth.

Kile Kisichopaswa Kubadilika na Kile Kinachoweza KubadilikaWhat Must Not Change and What May Change

Kila kizazi cha wachungaji kinakabiliwa na swali lile lile: tunawezaje kubaki waaminifu kwa injili ya zamani na bado kuwafikia watu wapya? Wesley anatoa jibu la kusaidia.Every generation of pastors faces the same question: how can we stay faithful to the old gospel and still reach new people? Wesley gives a helpful answer.

Katika mafundisho, Wesley alikuwa mhafidhina. Alishika Biblia, kanuni za imani na mafundisho ya Kanisa la Uingereza. Hakudai kufundisha mafundisho mapya. Katika njia, alikuwa jasiri. Kuhubiri nje, wahubiri waumini wa kawaida, mkutano wa darasa, kutumia nyimbo kufundisha, na kuchapisha vitabu vya bei nafuu kwa watu wa kawaida vyote vilikuwa vipya katika siku zake. Watu wengine walivifikiria kuwa si sahihi. Aliyatumia kwa sababu yalifanya kazi, na kwa sababu yalitumikia injili ya zamani.In doctrine, Wesley was conservative. He held to the Bible, the creeds and the teaching of the Church of England. He did not claim to teach new doctrine. In method, he was bold. Field preaching, lay preachers, the class meeting, the use of hymns for teaching, and the printing of cheap books for common people were all new in his day. Some people thought them improper. He used them because they worked, and because they served the old gospel.

Hii ndiyo kanuni ya Kiwesley: shika ujumbe kwa uthabiti na shika njia kwa wepesi. Injili, mamlaka ya Maandiko, Utatu, upatanisho, kuzaliwa upya na mwito wa utakatifu havibadiliki. Jinsi tunavyokusanyika, lugha na muziki tunaotumia, teknolojia tunayoitumia, na jinsi tunavyopanga vikundi vinaweza kubadilika inapohitajika.This is the Wesleyan principle: hold the message firmly and hold the methods loosely. The gospel, the authority of Scripture, the Trinity, the atonement, the new birth and the call to holiness do not change. How we gather, what language and music we use, what technology we employ, and how we organize groups may change as needed.

Makosa mawili yanatishia hapa. La kwanza ni kushikilia mapokeo kupita kiasi (traditionalism), kuchukulia maumbo ya zamani kana kwamba ni matakatifu, hata kanisa likawa jumba la makumbusho na vijana wasipate njia ya kuingia. La pili ni kupenda mambo mapya (novelty), kubadilisha kila kitu kufuata mtindo wa karibuni, hata kanisa lisiweze kusema linaloamini. Paulo anaonya dhidi ya yote mawili anapoandika, "Msiifuatishe namna ya dunia hii; bali mgeuzwe kwa kufanywa upya nia zenu" (Warumi 12:2, imetajwa kwa marejeo). Hatunakili ulimwengu, na hatujifichi kutoka kwake.Two errors threaten here. The first is traditionalism, treating old forms as if they were holy, so that the church becomes a museum and the young cannot find the way in. The second is novelty, changing everything to follow the latest fashion, until the church cannot say what it believes. Paul warns against both when he writes, "do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2, cited by reference). We do not copy the world, and we do not hide from it.

Kushikilia Imani: Mafundisho na MuunganikoHolding the Faith: Doctrine and Connection

Wesley alichukua tahadhari kulinda mafundisho ya vuguvugu lake. Mwaka 1763 Hati ya Mfano (Model Deed) ilitaka kwamba wahubiri katika nyumba za kuhubiria za Methodisti wahubiri mafundisho yaliyomo katika Notes on the New Testament (Maelezo juu ya Agano Jipya) yake na katika juzuu nne za Sermons (Mahubiri) yake. Hili likawa kipimo muhimu katika Umethodisti. Wesley alipowaandalia Wamethodisti wa Amerika, alituma tamko fupi la imani lililotokana na Makala ya Kianglikana, Makala ishirini na nne za Dini (Articles of Religion), ambazo kanisa la Amerika lilizipitisha mwaka 1784 (tazama Kozi 1, Kipindi cha 6).Wesley took care to protect his movement's teaching. In 1763 the Model Deed required that the preachers in Methodist preaching houses preach the doctrine contained in his Notes on the New Testament and in four volumes of his Sermons. This became an important standard in Methodism. When Wesley prepared for the American Methodists, he sent a shorter statement of faith adapted from the Anglican Articles, twenty-four Articles of Religion, which the American church adopted in 1784 (see Course 1, Unit 6).

Mafundisho ya pamoja ni muhimu kwa sababu makanisa ya mahali, yakiachwa peke yake, yanaweza kupotea. Mhubiri asiyewajibika kwa mtu yeyote anaweza kuanza kufundisha mawazo yake mwenyewe, au kubadilisha ujumbe ili kumpendeza mshiriki tajiri. Paulo alimwambia Timotheo ailinde amana (1 Timotheo 6:20, imetajwa kwa marejeo), na Yuda aliwasihi waumini kuugombea sana ule imani waliyokabidhiwa watakatifu mara moja tu (Yuda 3).Shared doctrine matters because local churches, left alone, can drift. A preacher who is not accountable to anyone can begin to teach his own ideas, or change the message to please a wealthy member. Paul told Timothy to guard what was entrusted to him (1 Timothy 6:20, cited by reference), and Jude urged believers to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

Muunganiko pia huwalinda wachungaji. Katika Kozi 4 ulijifunza jinsi Wamethodisti na Wanazarene wanavyounganishwa kupitia mikutano, wilaya na wasimamizi. Hizi si miundo ya kiutawala tu. Humpa mchungaji washauri, ukaguzi wa fedha na mafundisho yake, na njia ya kuondolewa akianguka. Mchungaji anayesema, "Siwajibiki kwa mtu yeyote," yuko katika hatari kubwa zaidi kuliko yule anayekaribisha uwajibikaji.Connection also protects pastors. In Course 4 you studied how Methodists and Nazarenes are connected through conferences, districts and superintendents. These are not just administrative structures. They give a pastor counselors, a check on his money and teaching, and a way to be removed if he falls. The pastor who says, "I answer to no one," is in far greater danger than the one who welcomes accountability.

Shinikizo kwa Kanisa LeoPressures on the Church Today

Hizi ndizo shinikizo kuu. Zinatofautiana kutoka nchi hadi nchi, na wewe ndiye utakayejua vyema jinsi zinavyojitokeza katika jamii yako mwenyewe.Here are the main pressures. They differ from country to country, and you will know best how they appear in your own community.

Kupotea kwa mafundisho. Shinikizo kubwa zaidi katika historia ya Umethodisti imekuwa kudhoofika taratibu kwa kuamini Maandiko na imani ya kihistoria. Hili si tatizo la zamani tu. Baadhi ya mashirika ya Methodisti, hasa Ulaya na Amerika Kaskazini, yalielekea kwenye theolojia huria katika karne ya ishirini, na madhara yamejumuisha mgawanyiko na kupungua katika baadhi ya mahali (tazama Kozi 1, Kipindi cha 9). Mashirika ya Utakatifu tuliyoyasoma, yaani Kanisa la Nazarene, Kanisa la Wesleyan na Kanisa la Free Methodist, kwa kiasi kikubwa yameshika fundisho la kihistoria la Maandiko.Doctrinal drift. The most serious pressure in the history of Methodism has been the slow weakening of confidence in Scripture and in the historic faith. This is not only a problem of the past. Some Methodist bodies, mainly in Europe and North America, moved toward theological liberalism over the twentieth century, and the effects have included division and decline in some places (see Course 1, Unit 9). The Holiness bodies we have studied, namely the Church of the Nazarene, the Wesleyan Church and the Free Methodist Church, have mostly held to the historic doctrine of Scripture.

Mgawanyiko wa karibuni wa Methodisti. Katika United Methodist Church, mzozo wa muda mrefu kuhusu mamlaka ya Maandiko na mafundisho kuhusu ndoa na kuwekwa wakfu ulifikia kilele. Mwaka 2019 Mkutano Mkuu maalum ulithibitisha tena msimamo wa jadi wa kanisa. Katika miaka iliyofuata, makutaniko mengi yaliondoka. Mwaka 2022 Global Methodist Church ilizinduliwa kama shirika jipya linaloshikilia mafundisho ya jadi. Tunasimulia hili kama historia. United Methodist Church ina wanachama wanaotofautiana wao kwa wao, na maelezo bado yanaendelea, kwa hiyo mchungaji apitie ukweli wa sasa kutoka vyanzo vya kanisa vinavyoaminika.The recent Methodist division. In the United Methodist Church, a long dispute over the authority of Scripture and teaching on marriage and ordination came to a head. In 2019 a special General Conference reaffirmed the church's traditional position. In the years that followed, many congregations left. In 2022 the Global Methodist Church was launched as a new body that holds to the traditional doctrine. We tell this as history. The United Methodist Church includes members who disagree with one another, and the details are still developing, so a pastor should check current facts from reliable church sources.

Kwa mchungaji wa Kiwesley, fundisho ni hili: ndoa ni muungano wa maisha yote wa mwanamume mmoja na mwanamke mmoja, na utakatifu wa kijinsia ni sehemu ya mwito wa utakatifu kwa waumini wote, waliooa na wasioa. Maandiko hayo hayo pia yanatuita kumpenda kila mtu, kumkaribisha kila anayekuja kusikia injili, na kushughulika kwa upole na wale wanaopambana. Hatulifichi fundisho hilo wala hatulitumii kama rungu. Familia nyingi, ikiwa ni pamoja na baadhi katika makanisa yetu wenyewe, zina wapendwa wasiokubaliana nasi au wanaohisi kutengwa. Wachungaji wanahitaji subira, kusikiliza na maombi.For the Wesleyan pastor, the teaching is this: marriage is the lifelong union of one man and one woman, and sexual holiness is part of the call to holiness for all believers, married and single. The same Scripture also calls us to love every person, to welcome all who come to hear the gospel, and to deal gently with those who struggle. We neither hide the teaching nor use it as a club. Many families, including some in our own churches, have loved ones who disagree with us or who feel excluded. Pastors need patience, listening and prayer.

Kupenda mali na injili ya ufanisi. Watu wengi huvutwa na walimu wanaoahidi utajiri na afya kwa malipo ya imani na zawadi. Kama tulivyoona katika Kipindi cha 6, Maandiko hayafundishi kwamba umaskini unathibitisha imani dhaifu. Mchungaji lazima ahubiri kuhusu fedha kwa uaminifu na lazima apinge kunakili kanisa jirani la kung'aa linaloonekana kukua.Materialism and the prosperity gospel. Many people are drawn to teachers who promise wealth and health in return for faith and gifts. As we saw in Unit 6, Scripture does not teach that poverty proves weak faith. A pastor must preach about money honestly and must resist copying a flashy neighboring church that appears to be growing.

Uhamaji na maisha ya jiji. Katika nchi nyingi familia zinatawanywa na uhamaji kwenda mijini au nchi nyingine, na washiriki wa kanisa huhama mara nyingi. Wachungaji wanakabiliwa na familia zilizovunjika, upweke, na kutokuwepo kwa muda mrefu. Mkutano wa darasa na kikundi kidogo (Kipindi cha 3) ni jibu la Kiwesley: mahali ambapo mtu aliye mbali na familia anajulikana kwa jina.Migration and city life. In many countries families are scattered by migration to cities or to other nations, and church members move often. Pastors face broken families, loneliness, and long absences. The class meeting and the small group (Unit 3) are a Wesleyan answer: a place where a person who is far from family is known by name.

Vyombo vya habari vya kidijitali. Simu, mitandao ya kijamii na huduma za mtandaoni huwafikia watu wengi. Vinaweza kulisaidia kanisa kushiriki Maandiko, kuendelea kuwasiliana, na kuwafikia waumini waliotengwa. Pia huleta uvumi, hasira, wahubiri maarufu na mafundisho ya juujuu. Kutazama mtandaoni hakuwezi kuchukua nafasi ya Meza ya Bwana, ubatizo au mguso wa mkono unaojali. Tumia vyombo hivi kwa hekima, kagua vyanzo vyako, na uwaweke watu wako wameunganishwa na kutaniko halisi.Digital media. Phones, social media and online services reach many people. They can help a church share Scripture, stay in touch, and reach isolated believers. They also bring rumor, anger, celebrity preachers and shallow teaching. Online watching cannot replace the Lord's Supper, baptism or the touch of a caring hand. Use the tools wisely, check your sources, and keep your people tied to a real congregation.

Kuchanganya imani na mazoea mengine. Katika baadhi ya jamii za Amerika ya Kilatini na Afrika, imani ya Kikristo huchanganywa na mazoea ya kale ya kienyeji au dini ya jina tu, na watu wengi wanashikilia imani kwa jina tu. Jibu la Kiwesley ni mafundisho wazi ya kuzaliwa upya, ushuhuda wa Roho na maisha matakatifu, pamoja na utunzaji wa kichungaji wenye subira.Mixing of faith with other practices. In some communities in Latin America and Africa, Christian faith is mixed with older folk practices or with nominal religion, and many people hold a faith in name only. The Wesleyan answer is clear teaching of the new birth, the witness of the Spirit and holy living, with patient pastoral care.

Vijana. Makanisa mengi yanapoteza vijana wao. Wengine huondoka kwa sababu kanisa linaonekana kutohusika au kutokuwa na wema, wengine kwa sababu hawapati urafiki wa kweli au maswali magumu hayajibiwi. Mfano wa mkutano wa darasa, mafundisho rahisi, viongozi vijana wanaopewa wajibu wa kweli, na kanisa linalokaribisha maswali vyote vimesaidia.Young people. Many churches lose their young. Some leave because the church seems irrelevant or unkind, others because they find no real friendships or no hard questions answered. The class meeting model, plain teaching, young leaders given real responsibility, and a church that welcomes questions have all helped.

Maswali Wanayouliza WakosoajiQuestions Critics Ask

Pingamizi 1: "Uthabiti katika mafundisho hugawanya tu. Umoja ni muhimu zaidi."Objection 1: "Firmness in doctrine only divides. Unity matters more."

Wakristo wengi, wakiwemo baadhi ndani ya Umethodisti, wanasema kwamba kutokubaliana kwa mafundisho hakupaswi kuvunja ushirika, na kwamba tuzingatie upendo na huduma. Wanaonyesha kwamba Wesley mwenyewe alihubiri "roho ya ulimwengu mzima" (catholic spirit) na aliwapenda Wakristo wa mapokeo mengine.Many Christians, including some within Methodism, say that doctrinal disagreements should not break fellowship, and that we should focus on love and service. They point out that Wesley himself preached a "catholic spirit" and loved Christians of other traditions.

Jibu letu. Umoja ni wa thamani, na Yesu aliuombea (Yohana 17:20-23). Wesley alifundisha roho ya ukarimu kwa Wakristo wanaotofautiana katika mambo ya maoni, kama maumbo ya ibada na utawala wa kanisa. Lakini alisimama imara juu ya mambo muhimu ya injili na alitarajia wahubiri wake wafanye vivyo hivyo. Umoja unaonunuliwa kwa kuacha ukweli si umoja wa Roho. Tunatafuta upendo miongoni mwa Wakristo wote, na tuko tayari kufanya kazi na wengine kwa manufaa ya jamii, lakini hatuachi mamlaka ya Maandiko wala njia ya wokovu.Our answer. Unity is precious, and Jesus prayed for it (John 17:20-23). Wesley taught a generous spirit toward Christians who differ on matters of opinion, such as forms of worship and church government. But he held firm on the essentials of the gospel and he expected his preachers to do the same. Unity that is purchased by giving up the truth is not the unity of the Spirit. We seek love among all Christians, and we are ready to work with others for the good of the community, but we do not give up the authority of Scripture or the way of salvation.

Pingamizi 2: "Kanisa lazima lijirekebishe kwa utamaduni wa kisasa la sivyo litakufa."Objection 2: "The church must adapt to modern culture or it will die."

Wengine husema kwamba makanisa lazima yabadilishe mafundisho yao yalingane na fikra za kisasa na kwamba mafundisho ya jadi huwafukuza watu.Some say that churches must change their teaching to match modern thought and that traditional doctrine drives people away.

Jibu letu. Kanisa lazima daima lisema kwa njia ambayo watu wanaweza kuielewa, na Wesley alirekebisha njia zake kwa ujasiri. Lakini ujumbe si wetu wa kubadilisha. Makanisa yaliyopunguza mamlaka ya Biblia kwa kawaida hayajafanywa upya kwa kufanya hivyo. Paulo alimwonya Timotheo kwamba wakati ungekuja ambapo watu wasingevumilia mafundisho yenye uzima (2 Timotheo 4:3-4, imetajwa kwa marejeo). Kazi yetu ni kuwa waaminifu na wazi, na kumtumaini Bwana kwa ukuaji. Uaminifu si sawa na mafanikio, lakini Bwana ameahidi kulijenga kanisa lake.Our answer. The church must always speak in a way people can understand, and Wesley adapted his methods boldly. But the message is not ours to change. Churches that have lowered the authority of the Bible have not usually been renewed by doing so. Paul warned Timothy that a time would come when people would not endure sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3-4, cited by reference). Our task is to be faithful and clear, and to trust the Lord for the growth. Faithfulness is not the same as success, but the Lord has promised to build His church.

Pingamizi 3: "Uongozi imara na nidhamu husababisha udhibiti na ushikiliaji wa sheria."Objection 3: "Strong leadership and discipline lead to control and legalism."

Wengine huogopa kwamba mazungumzo ya uwajibikaji na viwango yataleta wachungaji wanaonyanyasa na sheria zisizo na upendo. Historia inatoa mifano ya unyanyasaji kama huo.Others fear that talk of accountability and standards will lead to abusive pastors and rules without love. History gives examples of such abuse.

Jibu letu. Onyo ni la kweli na zito. Utakatifu bila upendo si utakatifu (tazama Kozi 3, Kipindi cha 8). Lakini uwajibikaji wa Kiwesley umejengwa juu ya upendo na msaada wa pamoja, kama katika mkutano wa darasa, ambapo watu huulizana roho zao zinaendeleaje. Si mamlaka ya faragha ya mchungaji. Wachungaji wenyewe wanawajibika kwa mkutano au wilaya, na Petro anakataza kutawala kundi. Tiba ya unyanyasaji wa mamlaka si kufuta uwajibikaji bali kuufanya kwa unyenyekevu na waziwazi.Our answer. The warning is true and serious. Holiness without love is not holiness (see Course 3, Unit 8). But Wesleyan accountability is built on love and mutual help, as in the class meeting, where people ask one another how their souls are doing. It is not a pastor's private power. Pastors themselves are accountable to the conference or district, and Peter forbids lording it over the flock. The cure for abuse of authority is not to abolish accountability but to practice it humbly and openly.

Matumizi ya KichungajiPastoral Application

Mchungaji Elena anaongoza kanisa la watu mia moja na ishirini hivi katika jiji linalokua. Familia kadhaa zimeondoka kwenda kwenye kanisa kubwa jipya lililo karibu linalohubiri ufanisi na lina ibada za sauti kubwa na za kusisimua. Baadhi ya vijana wanataka kanisa lihamishe mikutano yake yote mtandaoni na liache mikutano ya darasa. Shemasi anasema, "Mchungaji, ni lazima tufanye wanavyofanya wao la sivyo tutatoweka."Pastor Elena leads a church of about one hundred and twenty people in a growing city. Several families have left for a large new church nearby that preaches prosperity and holds loud, exciting services. Some young people want the church to move all its meetings online and to drop the class meetings. A deacon says, "Pastor, we must do what they do or we will disappear."

Mchungaji mwenye hekima atajibu kwa hatua.A wise pastor will respond in steps.

Kwanza, anaomba na kujichunguza. Je, amechoka, ana wivu au ana hofu? Anamwomba mchungaji mwenzake anayeaminika aombe pamoja naye.First, she prays and examines herself. Is she tired, jealous or afraid? She asks a trusted fellow pastor to pray with her.

Pili, anasikiliza. Anatembelea baadhi ya familia zilizoondoka, kwa fadhili na si lawama, na kuuliza kwa nini. Anasikiliza vijana. Huenda wanahisi hawaonekani. Huenda wana mawazo mazuri.Second, she listens. She visits some of the families who left, with kindness and not blame, and asks why. She listens to the young people. Perhaps they feel unseen. Perhaps they have good ideas.

Tatu, anatenganisha ujumbe na njia. Ujumbe wa Maandiko, kuzaliwa upya, maisha matakatifu na utunzaji wa maskini hautabadilika. Yuko tayari kubadilisha wakati wa mikutano, kuongeza kushiriki mtandaoni kwa wagonjwa na walio mbali, na kuwapa vijana kazi za kweli.Third, she sorts message from method. The message of Scripture, new birth, holy living and care for the poor will not change. She is willing to change the time of meetings, add online sharing for the sick and those far away, and give young people real tasks.

Nne, anakataa kunakili ujumbe ambao Maandiko hayafundishi. Anafundisha kuhusu fedha kwa uaminifu na kwa uchangamfu, si kushambulia kanisa lingine bali kuwalinda watu wake.Fourth, she refuses to copy a message that Scripture does not teach. She teaches about money honestly and warmly, not to attack the other church but to protect her people.

Tano, anafanya upya vikundi vidogo, ili hakuna mtu apotee katika umati. Anawaomba vijana wasaidie kuongoza baadhi yake.Fifth, she renews the small groups, so that no one is lost in the crowd. She asks the young people to help lead some of them.

Sita, anaendelea kuwajibika. Anaripoti kwa wilaya yake, anaweka fedha wazi, na anaiambia bodi yake anapohitaji msaada.Sixth, she keeps accountable. She reports to her district, keeps the finances open, and tells her board where she needs help.

Saba, anamtumaini Bwana. Kanisa huenda lisiwe kubwa. Kazi yake ni kuwa mchungaji mwaminifu (Matendo 20:28).Seventh, she trusts the Lord. The church may not become large. Her task is to be a faithful shepherd (Acts 20:28).

Unachochukua Kutoka Kozi HiiWhat You Take from This Course

Kozi hii imempeleka mchungaji kupitia huduma nzima ya Kiwesley. Wito wa mchungaji ni kuokoa roho (Kipindi cha 1). Anahubiri kwa ajili ya uamuzi na ukuaji katika neema (Kipindi cha 2), anakusanya waumini katika vikundi vidogo (Kipindi cha 3), anatunza roho (Kipindi cha 4), anainjilisha (Kipindi cha 5), anaonyesha huruma na kutafuta haki (Kipindi cha 6), anatuma wamisionari (Kipindi cha 7), anajifunza kutoka misheni za utakatifu duniani kote (Kipindi cha 8), anapanda na kuzidisha makanisa (Kipindi cha 9), na sasa anaongoza kanisa takatifu katika ulimwengu unaobadilika (Kipindi cha 10). Uzi mmoja unapita katika kila kipindi: injili ya neema ya bure katika Kristo, inayopokelewa kwa imani, ikizaa moyo na maisha ya upendo mtakatifu.This course has taken a pastor through the whole Wesleyan ministry. The pastor's calling is to save souls (Unit 1). He preaches for decision and growth in grace (Unit 2), gathers believers in small groups (Unit 3), cares for souls (Unit 4), evangelizes (Unit 5), shows mercy and seeks justice (Unit 6), sends missionaries (Unit 7), learns from holiness missions around the world (Unit 8), plants and multiplies churches (Unit 9), and now leads a holy church in a changing world (Unit 10). One thread runs through every unit: the gospel of free grace in Christ, received by faith, producing a heart and life of holy love.

MuhtasariSummary

Mchungaji wa Kiwesley lazima kwanza atazame maisha na mafundisho yake mwenyewe, kisha kundi, kama Matendo 20:28 inavyofundisha. Hatari tatu za kawaida ni fedha, dhambi ya uzinzi na kiburi. Wesley alikuwa mhafidhina katika mafundisho na jasiri katika njia, na kanuni ya leo ni kushika ujumbe kwa uthabiti na njia kwa wepesi. Hati ya Mfano ya 1763 na Makala za Dini zilizopitishwa mwaka 1784 zililinda mafundisho ya Methodisti, na muunganiko hutoa uwajibikaji. Shinikizo za leo ni pamoja na kupotea kwa mafundisho, mgawanyiko katika United Methodist Church na kuzinduliwa kwa Global Methodist Church mwaka 2022, kupenda mali na injili ya ufanisi, uhamaji, vyombo vya habari vya kidijitali, imani iliyochanganywa na kupotea kwa vijana. Tunawajibu wale wanaosema mafundisho hugawanya tu, wale wanaosema kanisa lazima lifuate utamaduni, na wale wanaoogopa uongozi imara, kwa kuthibitisha umoja katika ukweli, ujumbe mwaminifu wenye njia zinazoweza kubadilika, na uwajibikaji wa unyenyekevu. Mchungaji huongoza katika maombi, akimtumaini Bwana kulijenga kanisa lake.A Wesleyan pastor must first watch his own life and doctrine, then the flock, as Acts 20:28 teaches. The three common dangers are money, sexual sin and pride. Wesley was conservative in doctrine and bold in method, and the principle for today is to hold the message firmly and the methods loosely. The Model Deed of 1763 and the Articles of Religion adopted in 1784 protected Methodist teaching, and connection gives accountability. Today's pressures include doctrinal drift, the division in the United Methodist Church and the launch of the Global Methodist Church in 2022, materialism and the prosperity gospel, migration, digital media, mixed faith and the loss of the young. We answer those who say doctrine only divides, those who say the church must follow the culture, and those who fear strong leadership, by affirming unity in truth, faithful message with flexible methods, and humble accountability. The pastor leads in prayer, trusting the Lord to build His church.

Usomaji ZaidiFurther Reading

• John Wesley, mahubiri "Catholic Spirit" (Roho ya Ulimwengu Mzima).• John Wesley, sermon "Catholic Spirit."

• John Wesley, mahubiri "The Character of a Methodist" (Tabia ya Mmethodisti).• John Wesley, sermon "The Character of a Methodist."

• John Wesley, Notes on the New Testament (Maelezo juu ya Agano Jipya), kuhusu Matendo 20 na 1 Timotheo.• John Wesley, Notes on the New Testament, on Acts 20 and 1 Timothy.

• John Wesley, Journal (Shajara).• John Wesley, Journal.

• The Methodist Articles of Religion (Makala za Dini za Kimethodisti) (1784).• The Methodist Articles of Religion (1784).

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